Management Interface

The management interface is a virtual interface attached to the physical management port. The physical port is named the Diagnostic interface, which you can configure on the Interfaces page with the other physical ports. On virtual FDM-managed devices, this duality is maintained even though both interfaces are virtual.

The management interface has two uses:

  • You can open web and SSH connections to the IP address and configure the device through the interface.

  • The system obtains smart licensing and database updates through this IP address.

If you use the CLI setup wizard, you configure the management address and gateway for the device during initial system configuration. If you use the FDM-managed setup wizard, the management address and gateway remain the defaults.

If necessary, you can change these addresses through an FDM-managed device. You can also change the management address and gateway in the CLI using the configure network ipv4 manual and configure network ipv6 manual commands.

You can define static addresses, or obtain an address through DHCP if another device on the management network is acting as a DHCP server. By default, the management address is static, and a DHCP server runs on the port (except for Virtual FDM-Managed Device, which does not have a DHCP server). Thus, you can plug a device directly into the management port and get a DHCP address for your workstation. This makes it easy to connect to and configure the device.

Caution

If you change the address to which you are currently connected, you will lose access to the FDM-managed device (or the CLI) when you save the changes, as they are applied immediately. You will need to reconnect to the device. Ensure that the new address is valid and available on the management network.

Procedure

Step 1

Configure the management IP address, network mask or IPv6 prefix, and gateway (if necessary) for IPv4, IPv6, or both. You must configure at least one set of properties. Leave one set blank to disable that addressing method.

Step 2

Select Type > DHCP to obtain the address and gateway through DHCP or IPv6 auto configuration. However, you cannot use DHCP if you are using the data interfaces as the gateway. In this case, you must use a static address.

Step 3

Click Save.

Step 4

Review and deploy the changes you made now, or wait and deploy multiple changes at once.